A Special Gift

In 1978, Dr. Albert W. Brown presented Soviet artist Zurab Tsereteli with an honorary certificate in recognition of his efforts to foster peace and understanding
between people of the Soviet Union and the United States.

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He then was invited to teach a painting course here at
SUNY Brockport. After accepting the invitation, Tsereteli learned about
the Fifth International Summer Special Olympics Games, to be held here
at SUNY Brockport in August 1979. He soon decided that he wanted to do
something for the Special Olympics and SUNY Brockport.

He returned to his native Republic of Georgia with work on his mind.
Drawing inspiration from his interest in young people, his concern for
Special Olympics and the realization that the United Nations had
proclaimed 1979 as the International Year of the Child, Tsereteli began
his work. Within a year, Tsereteli constructed two sculptures for the
Soviet Government, which were then donated to SUNY Brockport in honor of
the International Year of the Child and the International Special
Olympics. One of the pieces is located in front of the Allen
Administration Building, and is titled "Prometheus" (The Greek god who
gave strength to man). The other, is located in front of the Drake
Memorial Library, and is titled "Joy and Happiness to All the Children
of the World". The five pillars represent the five continents that
would be represented at the Special Olympics Games in 1979. This gift
made history. Tsereteli waived his usual royalties which would have
amounted to $250, 000 because the pieces were for children and students.
The two bronze pieces, whose total weight is nearly 30 tons, were
shipped overseas to the United States and then loaded into five trucks
to be brought to SUNY Brockport.